Recently, the state of Oklahoma mandated that all schools must include the Bible and the Ten Commandments in their curriculums. This decision was announced by Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, who emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Bible in shaping the foundation of the United States.
Walters highlighted that the Bible is a fundamental document that played a crucial role in the development of the Constitution and the country itself. He stressed that teaching the Bible is essential for students to understand the history of the nation, Western civilization, and the basis of the legal system.
According to the directive, every classroom in Oklahoma must have a Bible, and teachers are required to incorporate teachings from the Bible into their lessons. This move aligns with the educational standards approved in May 2019, which all districts in the state must adhere to.
However, this decision has sparked controversy, similar to a recent law passed in Louisiana that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. In Louisiana, a group of parents and civil rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the law violates US Supreme Court precedent and the First Amendment.
Furthermore, the Oklahoma Supreme Court recently blocked an attempt to establish the first publicly funded religious charter school in the country. The court ruled that a charter school must be nonsectarian, leading to the rescinding of the contract with St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School.
Despite the court's decision, Superintendent Walters expressed disappointment and vowed to continue advocating for more educational options for parents in Oklahoma. He emphasized the importance of providing diverse choices, including public schools, charter schools, and private schools, to ensure that parents have access to high-quality education for their children.
